Apparatus for reducing noise levels around an infant and methods thereof

ABSTRACT

The invention is comprised a sound deadening or sound blocking material that covers at least part of the child, thereby reducing both the decibel level coming from the child and the decibel level coming to the child. This creates a quieter environment for the child while serving a dual purpose to reduce any noise coming from the child.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 13/869,329 filed on Apr. 24, 2013, which claims priority to provisional application No. 61/637,657 filed on Apr. 24, 2012.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates generally to devices and systems that reduce ambient environment noise surrounding a child or infant and reduce sounds emanating from the child or infant.

BACKGROUND

Many parents are confronted with the challenge today when traveling outside their home with infant children to protect the child from loud ambient noise. Likewise, infant children may also create loud noise due to discomfort or other reasons that create disruptive sounds to others around the parent and child. Conventional infant device covers offer some sound absorbing capabilities, but do not provide sound blocking functionalities to significantly reduce the sound coming towards the infant device. Similarly, these conventional infant device covers to not significantly reduce sounds coming from an infant. A conventional sound absorbing material will reduce the ambient noise by 2-4 decibels (dB). It would be advantageous to have an apparatus or device that would aid parents in buffering or blocking noise to and from their infant while in a confined space when compared to conventional infant device covers.

SUMMARY

The invention, in one embodiment, is comprised of a sheet or blanket that is partially comprised of a sound deadening or sound buffering material including but not limited to, foam, plastic, or fabric that covers part of the child, thereby reducing both the decibel level coming from the child and the decibel level going to the child. This creates a quieter environment for the child while serving a dual purpose to reduce any noise coming from the child.

In a related embodiment, a sound deadening material or structure covers part of the child and it can be held in place without the use of an attachment device. In alternative embodiments, an attachment device may comprise, stitching; a strap, elastic, a clip, hook and loop (i.e., Velcro®), adhesive or any other formed shape meant to aid and support the sound deadening material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a sound blocking apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the sound blocking apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is perspective view of the sound blocking apparatus of FIG. 1 in an open position.

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a sound blocking apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the sound blocking apparatus of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is perspective view of the sound blocking apparatus of FIG. 4 in an open position.

FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of a sound blocking apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the sound blocking apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is perspective view of the sound blocking apparatus of FIG. 1 in an open position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, a sound blocking apparatus (10) is disclosed that can be interchanged among a variety of infant holding devices, such as a baby seat, which generally comprises a canopy (15), a sealing element (20) and a panel (30), which may optionally include a closing mechanism (25), that may provide a means of moving the infant in or out of the infant holding device.

As shown in FIGS. 1-9, a sealing element (20) may be an elastic band enclosed in the canopy (15) or it may be a simple drawstring or other appropriate sealing element to seal the canopy. The first canopy section (40) and second canopy section (45) may join in the vicinity of a midpoint of the canopy (15), where support rod (50) may be used.

Panel (30) may also include a closing mechanism (25) which allows for sound blocking apparatus (10) to be closed and opened without removing sound blocking apparatus (10) from an infant holding device. Closing mechanism (25) may include known securement means such as fastening devices. Such devices include, but are not limited to, a strap, clip, hook and loop fastener (e.g. Velcro®), zipper, button, snap, adhesive or any other formed shapes meant to aid and support panel (30). Panel (30) may optionally include a window (35) which may be used to act as a shield from the elements or alternatively may be opened for “fresh air” or for improved viewing of the occupant under panel (30).

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, sound blocking apparatus (10), comprises a canopy (15) that may be opened and closed at approximately the midpoint of the canopy (15) to allow versatility in deploying sound blocking apparatus (10) in a rearward and/or forward direction and for fastening the canopy with closing mechanism (25). Likewise, at least a portion of canopy (15) may be folded in a forward direction with closing mechanism (25).

Canopy (15), as shown in FIGS. 1, 3-4, 6-7 and 9 provides at least two canopy sections where a support rod (50) may be located to provide structural support to canopy (15) when in use. Support rod (50) may run along the external or internal surface of canopy (15). Alternatively, support rods may also be integrally related within canopy (15). The supporting feature of rods (50) provides a means to support canopy (15) over the occupant. By the term “over,” it is intended that the canopy (15) not simply lay on the occupant in an unsupported manner.

Support rods (50) may be configured in a variety of cross-sectional shapes, such as round. This round support rod may afford an advantage in being resiliently folded to a reduced state when the cover is not in use. Alternatively, other shapes could be elliptical, rectangular, square, or other cross-sectional shapes. Support rod (50) may be integrated with canopy (15) and may be situated at a juncture between first enclosing canopy section (40) and second enclosing canopy section (45).

As best shown in FIGS. 4-6, canopy (15) is configured in a manner to allow for canopy (15) to open laterally. In this configuration, support rods (50) run along the vertical axis in relation to the orientation of an occupant. In other words, support rods (50) are configured, at least in this embodiment, in a manner that is perpendicular to the direction of the canopy when being opened or closed, as shown in FIG. 6 (see arrows).

As described above, support rod (50) provides a supporting element that is resilient and may also be folded to a reduced state so that when sound blocking apparatus (10) is not in use, it may be easily removed from an infant holding device, such as a car seat. It should be appreciated that support rods (50) and the accordion structure of canopy (15) provides for easy access to the infant contained therein. Moreover, sound blocking apparatus (10) may also be conveniently folded in a compact manner to provide ease in storage of sound blocking apparatus (10).

As shown in FIGS. 1-9 canopy (15) is generally comprised of a sheet (55) which may be made from sound deadening or sound blocking material including but not limited to, foam, plastic or fabric that is adapted to cover a substantial portion of an infant, thereby reducing both sound or the decibel level coming from the child and the sound or decibel level traveling or being received by a child. This creates a quieter environment for the child while serving a dual purpose to reduce any noise coming from the child.

In similar related embodiments, sheet (55) may be a light-weight rubber layer or olefin foam having one surface to which an unwoven fabric or a woven fabric of cotton, neoprene, polyester, or the like may be mechanically or chemically coupled. While it should be appreciated that sheet (55) may comprise a single material that provides a significant amount of sound dampening that is a result of the structural properties of sheet (55) itself. Structural properties may include microcavities that prevent a significant portion of sound from entering and/or leaving canopy (15) when in a closed position (see FIGS. 1, 4 and 7). Materials such as those are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,897,164 and 7,891,732 which are incorporated herein by references in their entirety may be utilized.

Still referring to FIGS. 1-9, panel (30), may comprise a recycled natural fiber that is thermally bonded. This material typically does not contain fiberglass. Additionally this type of fiber does not itch or cause skin irritation and provides excellent sound absorption properties while being breathable. The panel (30) fiber may be further enhanced with a fire-resistant backing that provides additional strength. Both the insulation and the backing may further be treated with an EPA registered anti-microbial agent. This particular material is used as at least one material, in portions of the sound blocking apparatus where mass loaded vinyl (MLV) (described below) is not utilized.

Sound blocking apparatus (10) may be used to block sound waves from entering or exiting the internal portion of the infant holding device. When sound blocking is required, panel (30), and/or optionally window (35) may be made from a number of sound blocking materials, such as MLV. In embodiments that comprise MLV, panel (30) and/or window (35) will significantly reduce or completely block the sound from entering the infant holding device. It should be appreciated that a typical material found on known infant device covers will typically reduce the ambient sound by about 2-4 dB. However, MLV, and other known materials, are advantageous in their ability to provide a material that is lightweight, flexible and easily formed or molded into desired shapes and configurations, but will block ambient sound by at least 5 dB. In these preferred embodiments, the ambient sound is reduced by at least 50% when compared to conventional, fleece or fabric covers.

It should also be appreciated that the use of MLV provides additional mass to a specific area when compared to conventional vinyl materials. Thus, MLV snakes the passage of sound more difficult. Other materials, such as light rubber, vinyl, plastics, glass and acrylic materials may be used, however, these materials are not mass loaded.

Similarly, sound absorbing materials perform a different function when compared to MLV in that sound waves enter the outermost layer of, for example panel (30), which would filter out a portion of the sound waves directed towards sound blocking apparatus (10). This functionality is markedly opposed to blocking sound waves from entering panel (30) and/or window (35). In embodiments that are mass-loaded, the ability to significantly reduce sound is shown in Table 1, where a control material is compared to experimental (MLV) data. The results of Table 1 were acquired by recording the sound between a control cover and an experimental cover. The control cover was a material that is typically used to make a panel or window portion in an infant holding device. Control materials that can be used to cover an infant holding device are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,209,953 and 6,019,421, each patent is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As indicated from Table 1 the ambient sound was recorded at different frequencies ranging from 250 Hz to 6.3 kHz where the dB levels were recorded. The data indicated that on average the ambient sound was 58.4 dB. The average dB level for the control and experimental material was 54.37 dB and 50.25 dB respectively. Thus, the experimental cover which comprises MLV, provided an overall average reduction in sound slightly greater than 4 dB when compared to the control cover. It should further be appreciated that an 3 dB reduction in sound equates to an approximately 50% reduction in sound to the human ear.

TABLE 1 FREQUENCY (Hz) 1.6K 2K 2.5K 3.15K 4K 5K 6.3K Reference Sound Level LEVEL (dB) 61 59.3 61.4 53.4 54.1 53.7 53.6 EQ SETTING 2 3.7 1.6 9.6 8.9 9.3 9.4 Control Cover LEVEL (dB) 57.9 52.2 53.5 44.1 47.4 46.6 45 EQ SETTING 2.6 8.3 7 16.4 13.1 13.9 15.5 Experimental Cover LEVEL (dB) 53.3 46.7 45.3 42.5 39.3 35.3 35.9 EQ SETTING 5 11.6 13 15.8 19 23 22.4 FREQUENCY (Hz) 250 315 400 630 800 1K 1.25K Reference Sound Level LEVEL (dB) 74.5 63.8 63 60.7 56.3 50.8 52 EQ SETTING −11.5 −0.8 0 2.3 6.7 12.2 11 Standard Cover LEVEL (dB) 73.6 62.9 61.2 57.4 54.7 51 53.7 EQ SETTING −13.1 −2.4 −0.7 3.1 5.8 9.5 6.8 Experimental Cover LEVEL (dB) 71.8 61.2 63.2 55.4 55 47.4 51.2 EQ SETTING −13.5 −2.9 −4.9 2.9 3.3 10.9 7.1

In one preferred embodiment the reduction in ambient noise will be at least 5 dB. In another preferred embodiment the reduction in ambient noise level will be at least 6 dB. In another preferred embodiment the reduction in ambient noise level will be at least 7 dB. In another preferred embodiment the reduction in ambient noise level will be at least 8 dB. It should be appreciated that the reduction in ambient noise reduction greater than 4.5 dB is also contemplated.

These preferred embodiments described herein will reduce the ambient decibel level by at least 50%. In another related embodiment the ambient sound is reduced by at least 55%. In another related embodiment the ambient sound is reduced by at least 60%. In another related embodiment the ambient sound is reduced by at least 65%. In another related embodiment the ambient sound is reduced by at least 70%. In another related embodiment the ambient sound is reduced by at least 75%. In another related embodiment the ambient sound is reduced by at least 80%. In another related embodiment the ambient sound is reduced by at least 85%. In another related embodiment the ambient sound is reduced by at least 90%.

In addition to the sound blocking panel, or other areas utilizing MLV may also be used as a window. This particular combination of flexibility, sound-blocking and reduced cross-section (thickness), density and mass makes the MLV advantageous to other previously utilized materials. In some embodiments, the combination of flexible panel material with materials such as MLV, will provide an infant cover with a desired ambient sound reduction, while still providing a sufficient level of comfort for the infant.

When panel (30) and/or window (35) comprises a flap or center cover, the cover is fastened around the perimeter in a manner to provide a tight securement to the infant quieting apparatus (10). Fastening means such as hook and loop fasteners and stitching are considered advantageous, although not exclusive to fastening means that can be used for the infant quieting apparatus (10). Alternatively, by introducing MIN as a material in the “acoustical core” in combination with a recycled natural fiber that is thermally bonded the invention described herein maintains breathability and significant sound reduction (see Table 1).

In at least this example embodiment the panel (30) and/or window (35) may include a flap (not shown) that is used to load and unload the infant, or alternatively, may be sized to allow a person to access the infant (for feeding, adjust a pacifier, etc.) without needing to remove the entire infant quieting system (10) from the infant holding device.

Additionally, sheet (55) must be sufficiently pliable and light-weight to allow a user to conveniently attach canopy (15) to an infant holding device. While sheet itself (55) is generally stretchable, or contains a feature with elastic properties, sheet (55) is not overly stretchable as to not provide a taught structure to prevent slack or excess canopy (15) from bunching in between support rods (50).

The basic concepts of the invention described herein may be embodied in a variety of ways. It involves both methods and devices to accomplish the appropriate method. In this application, the methods are disclosed as part of the results shown to be achieved by the various devices described and as steps that are inherent to utilization. They are simply the natural result of utilizing the devices as intended and described. In addition, while some devices are disclosed, it would be understood that these not only accomplish certain methods but also can be varied in many ways. Importantly, as to the foregoing, all these facets should be understood to be encompassed by this disclosure.

As mentioned earlier, the various embodiments of the present invention include a variety of components that may be used in different combinations, depending on the application that needs to be addressed. The invention is designed primarily to take advantage of a unique protective cover apparatus and method of protecting occupants of infant holding devices and combine and modify it as needed for a variety of shapes, sizes, and orientations, as will be explained in more detail as the figures are described. This invention is intended to encompass a wide variety of uses in the goals and objects of the protective cover. Elements, functions, and procedures that distinguish the invention will be noted where appropriate.

The term “infant holding device” as used herein is intended to include those, such as car seats, vehicle seats, baby seats, glider seats, automatic swing seats, cribs, strollers and so forth encompassing any suitable seat which may be a surface where infants or even toddlers (generally referred to as infants) may be placed.

FIGS. 1-9 show a typical installation of sound blocking apparatus (10) over an infant car seat with a carrying handle. Such a canopy offers the advantage that access to an infant does not require the handle to be positioned in one particular configuration. As shown, handle (60) may be held, used, or even retracted independently of the self-supporting feature of canopy (15).

Although the air flow is deemed to be adequate in the invention, one of ordinary skill in the art may desire side venting to provide sound dampening, but significant ventilation for an infant contained therein. This situation could occur, for instance, in warmer climates. The material can also be a mesh material to protect child from insects while providing ventilation.

The methods that may be claimed in this invention are well within the knowledge of one or ordinary skill in the art. For example, suspending the canopy over a baby seat; sealing the canopy; supporting the canopy; utilizing a canopy and allowing the canopy to be retained in a rearward direction and alternatively allowing the canopy to be retained in a forward direction. It could also include resisting the exiting of a substantial amount of sound from the infant, while allowing an infant to be viewed through a window. Therefore, no separate discussions of the methods are deemed necessary as they may claim steps that are implicit in the use and manufacture of the apparatus claims. Furthermore, although the steps may be organized in a logical fashion, however, other sequences can and do occur. Therefore, any method claims should not be construed to include only the order of the sequence of steps presented.

The foregoing discussion and claims that may follow describe only the preferred embodiments of the invention. While particular embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be obvious that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. Particularly with respect to the claims, it should be understood that a number of changes may be made without departing from its essence. In this regard, it is intended that such changes—to the extent that they substantially achieve the same results in substantially the same way—would still fall within the scope of the invention. It is simply not practical to describe and claim all possible revisions and claims to the invention that may be accomplished. To the extent such revisions utilize the essence of the invention; each would naturally fall within the breath of protection by any patent granted. This is particularly true for the invention since most of the basic concepts are fundamental in nature and it can be properly applied.

Having thus described several illustrative embodiments, it is to be appreciated that various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure, and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. While some examples presented herein involve specific combinations of functions or structural elements, it should be understood that those functions and elements may be combined in other ways according to the invention to accomplish the same or different objectives. In particular, acts, elements, and features discussed in connection with one embodiment are not intended to be excluded from similar or other roles in other embodiments. Accordingly, the foregoing description and attached drawings are by way of example only, and are not intended to be limiting. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A sound blocking apparatus comprising: a canopy; a sealing element; a panel and a closing mechanism, wherein said canopy comprises a material capable of blocking sound from passing thererthrough in combination with an infant holding device.
 2. A sound blocking apparatus of claim 1 wherein said panel further comprises a window.
 3. A sound blocking apparatus of claim 2 wherein the window is made from a material selected from a group consisting of mass loaded vinyl, light rubber, vinyl, plastics, glass and acrylic.
 4. A sound blocking apparatus of claim 1 wherein the sound blocking apparatus comprises a material selected from a group consisting of mass loaded vinyl, light rubber, vinyl, plastics, glass and acrylic.
 5. A sound blocking apparatus of claim 1 wherein said infant holding device is selected from a group consisting of a car seat, a vehicle seat, a baby seats, a glider seat, a crib, a stroller and an automatic swing seat.
 6. A sound blocking apparatus of claim 1 wherein said canopy comprises a material selected from a group consisting of a natural fiber, plastic, cotton fabric, light-weight rubber, olefin foam, unwoven fabric, a woven fabric, neoprene, a recycled thermally bonded natural fiber and polyester and wherein the closing mechanism is selected from a group consisting of a strap, clip, hook and loop fastener, zipper, button, snap, adhesive or any other formed shapes meant to aid and support panel.
 7. A method of using a sound blocking apparatus comprising: disposing the sound blocking apparatus on an infant holding device forming a cavity wherein the sound blocking apparatus comprises a canopy, a sealing element, a panel and a closing element; placing an infant in said infant holding device; and closing said canopy thereby preventing a substantial portion of sound from entering or exiting the internal portion of said cavity.
 8. A method of claim 7 wherein said panel further comprises a window.
 9. A method of claim 7 wherein the sound blocking apparatus comprises a material selected from a group consisting of mass loaded vinyl, light rubber, vinyl, plastics, glass and acrylic.
 10. A method of claim 9 wherein the sound blocking apparatus comprises mass loaded vinyl and reduces the ambient decibel level of sound by at least 50% when in a closed position.
 11. A method of claim 9 wherein the mass loaded vinyl reduces the ambient decibel level by at least 5 dB.
 12. A method of claim 7 wherein the sound blocking apparatus reduces the ambient decibel level of sound by at least 50% when in a closed position.
 13. A method of claim 7 wherein the sound blocking apparatus reduces the ambient decibel level by at least 5 dB.
 14. A method of claim 7 wherein said closing mechanism is selected from a group consisting of a strap, clip, hook and loop fastener, zipper, button, snap, adhesive or any other formed shapes meant to aid and support panel.
 15. A method of claim 7 wherein said infant holding device is selected from a group consisting of a car seat, a vehicle seat, a baby seats, a glider seat, a crib, a stroller and an automatic swing seat.
 16. A method of claim 7 wherein said canopy comprises a material selected from a group consisting of a natural fiber, a natural thermally bonded fiber, plastic, cotton fabric, light-weight rubber, olefin foam, unwoven fabric, a woven fabric, neoprene and polyester.
 17. A method of claim 7 wherein said canopy is capable of being closed in a substantially horizontal manner.
 18. A method of claim 8, wherein said canopy being opened or closed in a substantially vertical manner.
 19. A method of blocking sound on an infant holding device comprising: Preparing a material used for at least a portion of an infant holding device cover; Attaching the material to the infant holding device cover, thereby forming a sound blocking apparatus wherein said sound blocking apparatus is in combination with an infant holding device.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the material is selected from a group consisting of mass loaded vinyl, light rubber, vinyl, plastics, glass and acrylic. 